Why Competing at the Right Level Matters at BayWay CrossFit
At BayWay CrossFit in Baytown, we believe competition should bring out your best — not your ego. There’s a big difference between competing to grow and competing just to win.
If you’re fitter than me — or just as fit — there’s no reason to sign up for a scaled CrossFit division. You’ve earned the right to challenge yourself. Hiding from the next level might protect your pride for a day, but it slows your progress for months.
We see it all the time at BayWay CrossFit events and local competitions. Some athletes choose the easier division even though they could easily go RX. That’s called sandbagging, and it doesn’t just affect competition results — it affects your mindset, confidence, and growth as an athlete.
What Sandbagging Says About Your Training
At BayWay, we coach athletes to test their limits, not hide from them.
If you’re doing RX workouts in class, moving heavy loads, or mastering advanced gymnastics skills, you belong in a division that reflects that.
Sandbagging might get you a medal, but it won’t make you better. Real growth comes from stepping into discomfort and trusting your fitness.
When you choose to compete where you belong, you strengthen more than your body — you strengthen your character.
BayWay CrossFit’s Competitive Culture
One thing that makes BayWay CrossFit in Baytown different is our focus on integrity and accountability.
Our athletes don’t just show up to work out — they show up to lead, to inspire, and to represent what it means to compete with purpose.
We don’t train to be comfortable. We train to be capable.
Every class, every WOD, and every competition is a chance to learn who you really are.
When you compete where you belong, you push your limits the right way — with honesty, grit, and effort. That’s the BayWay way.
The Real Reward
The reward isn’t the podium — it’s pride. It’s knowing you gave your all, alongside people who challenged you to rise.
That’s what makes the BayWay CrossFit community special: we don’t run from the hard things; we run toward them.
So the next time you sign up for a competition, ask yourself — are you competing to win, or are you competing to grow?
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode of “Ranting With Rich”
This blog was inspired by Episode #23 — “The Sandbagging Problem” from our Ranting With Rich Podcast, hosted by Coach Richard Andrews of BayWay CrossFit.
👉 Listen now on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Xv3lrT9k79QMw6mpofaOJ?si=qap3cDEhThCCuNGY08TCJA&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A3cuWl9XQVl4HAei9jzzXIe